Disneyland Resort

As Disney Soundsational Summer gets underway, even more excitement is coming to Disneyland Resort, where the premiere of the all-new The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is just the latest milestone in the ongoing expansion of Disney California Adventure park. The distinctive peaks of the Cadillac Range are already visible on the horizon beyond Pacific Wharf, signaling the creation of Cars Land, the all-new 12-acre land set to open in 2012. And work on the newly themed Disney California Adventure entry gate into Buena Vista Street, complete with Red Car Trolleys and the distinctive Carthay Circle Theatre, will continue through 2011 for a 2012 opening.

Since Mickey Mouse first whistled his way into entertainment history in “Steamboat Willie” (the first animated cartoon with synchronized sound), music has been one of the cornerstones of Disney enchantment, from movies and television to recordings and, of course, Theme Parks. And since magnificent music is one of the most magical forces behind the spectacular experiences you’ll enjoy during Disney Soundsational Summer at the Disneyland Resort, Disneyland asked three experts, who specialize in this artistry, to share some insider views.

Guests will enter the enchanting story of “The Little Mermaid,” complete with characters and songs from the Academy Award-winning Disney animated motion picture, when they board The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, premiering Friday, June 3, in Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort.

Set in and around Ariel’s underwater world and located inside a new space on Paradise Pier, the new attraction combines the enduring appeal of a classic Disney “dark ride” with wonderful technological innovations to offer guests a personal journey into the scenes of the film. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure adds to the excitement of Disney Soundsational Summer, June 3 through Sept 5, a season that offers guests even more ways to make special memories at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Resort today announced the completion of significant upgrades to the Disneyland Hotel, marking a milestone in the landmark property’s current renovation project. A new courtyard, restaurant, bar, pool and water play area add immersive experiences to a Disneyland Resort vacation.

“This exciting renovation extends the immersion and magic of our park experience to this classic hotel,” said Tony Bruno, vice president Resort hotels and Downtown Disney. “We’ve woven important pieces of Disneyland park history into the Disneyland Hotel, particularly with the reopening of the pool and courtyard area. These nostalgic enhancements not only highlight the hotel’s unique heritage, but also our continued investment in the guest experience and our ongoing work to evolve the Resort and Anaheim into a world-class, multiday tourist destination.”

Guests will enjoy wild, hilarious flying lessons beginning July 1 at Goofy’s Sky School, one of several new attractions and restaurants opening in Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure park. Along with the debut of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, these new experiences will complete the transformation of Paradise Pier, a section of the park reminiscent of a seaside amusement park of the 1930s.

Walt Disney Co. president and CEO Bob Iger (left) talks with Star Wars creator George Lucas as they walk through Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. May 20, 2011 during grand opening ceremonies for “Star Tours — The Adventures Continue,” a new 3-D attraction based on the “Star Wars” films. The attraction, which features more than 50 possible random ride experiences, opened May 20, 2011 at Walt Disney World in Florida and will open June 3, 2011 at Disneyland Resort in California. Photo by Todd Anderson.

Star WarsTM creator George Lucas and Disney President and CEO Bob Iger wielded lightsabers amid a legion of stormtroopers Friday to open “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue,” a new 3-D adventure at Walt Disney World Resort.

A cast of hundreds of Star Wars characters and performers – including Anthony Daniels, who has played the golden droid C-3PO since the first film debuted in 1977 – converged on Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the launch of the attraction destined to send millions of guests on virtual journeys throughout the Star Wars galaxy.

Beginning in Chicago, IL, on May, 30th, 2011, Disney Parks and Resorts will launch a national ‘Let the Memories Begin’ Tour. According to the tour’s website, found at letthememoriesbegintour.com, it sets out to take ‘Disney memory-making into towns across America where children and adults of all ages are enjoying a sample of the magic and fun that people enjoy every day in the Disney Theme Parks.’ The tour will also offer a photo-op for which photos can be claimed online at the site.

It’s an unfortunate pairing, but it appears that the Walt Disney Company has made significant gestures in both honoring the United States Navy’s SEAL Team Six, the counter-terrorism unit responsible for the recent assassination of Osama bin Laden as well bringing Duffy the Disney Bear’s gal pal Shelliemay to the parks, or at least on merchandise.

Several trademarks for SEAL TEAM 6 have been recently applied for, covering areas such as: ‘Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities;’ ‘Toys, games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles (except clothing); hand-held units for playing electronic games other than those adapted for use with an external display screen or monitor; Christmas stockings; Christmas tree ornaments and decorations; snow globes;’ and ‘Clothing, footwear, headgear.’

Admittedly some of these tees have been flaunted by Disney Parks already, but many are being seen here for the first time anywhere (as far as we know). They are the collection identified on their sleeve as the ‘Star Tours Launch Collection 2011’ in honor of the introduction of ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’ coming to Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 20, 2011 and Disneyland on June 6, 2011.

The tees, which should be available at both resorts, are likely to also be offered online at DisneyStore.com.